"With your strength, you still need a guard?" the little girl asked in some surprise. She was not taken aback by Xiao Yan's request itself. After all, it was only a year, no more than the snap of a finger to an Earth Supreme.
"There are some things I can't handle in person, so I'll have to trouble you to help," Xiao Yan said with a shrug. "Besides, if I really help you deal with that Saint Demon Emperor Lu Heng, I deserve something in return. You can't expect me to work for you for free, can you?"
"Doesn't that Saint Flood Dragon Flame count?" The little girl paused, suddenly realizing that the seemingly amiable young man before her might not be as easy to get along with as she had imagined.
"That's just spoils of battle. It benefits me, sure, but it has nothing to do with us working together against the Saint Demon Palace. And don't forget, we have another deal concerning that flame." Xiao Yan smiled faintly. "So if you want me to join you in dealing with Lu Heng, you'll have to offer something else. One year as my guard isn't too harsh a condition, is it?"
"You do have a point. In that case, here's to a pleasant partnership." After a moment's hesitation, the little girl held out a slender hand. "My name is Mandala. If you really can capture Lu Heng and take care of that matter for me, I'll serve as your guard for a year."
"Miss Mandala, what exactly would you like me to do for you?" Xiao Yan briefly shook her little hand before swiftly releasing it. Although he had already guessed that her request most likely concerned the curse inside her, he still respected the formalities enough to ask again.